After the Supreme Court closed a legal loophole that made Barcelona the cannabis capital of Spain, 200 cannabis clubs in Barcelona faced closure.
This is the latest in a series of setbacks associationsuperior, Because they are well known. In 2017, the court rejected a law passed by the Catalan parliament, which stated that “the private consumption of marijuana by adults… is part of the exercise of the fundamental rights of personal freedom of development and freedom of conscience”.
Since then, the club has operated in accordance with the Barcelona city’s statutes to regulate its use, but it has now been overturned, and the judge ruled that the city government has no power to legislate on matters under national jurisdiction.
Eric Asensio, spokesperson for the Federation of Catalonia, said: “Most associations believe that sooner or later they will be forced to close.” marijuana association. Approximately 70% of the cannabis clubs in Spain are in Catalonia, most of which are in Barcelona.
Cities that support the association’s quasi-legal status have notified them that the latest ruling prohibits the “sale, consumption or promotion” of cannabis. It said it will check these clubs soon, “starting with the clubs that have the greatest negative impact and are oriented toward tourists and a lot of sales.”
Although essentially a private membership club, the association has become the main point of sale for tourists. The membership fee is usually around 10 Euros (£8.50) and is usually used for the first purchase.
These associations were originally private clubs where members could buy and smoke marijuana. In recent years, many people have broken away from this model and become an exporter of large amounts of cannabis grown in Catalonia, usually under the control of Eastern Europe and other countries. mafia.
However, the association, the city government and the police have all agreed that the club will reduce street transactions and consumption. The police stated that they did not oppose the club in principle.
The federation said in a statement: “The judiciary once again attacked these associations without considering the reality of Barcelona. Barcelona has coexisted with these entities for more than 30 years.”
“The Barcelona Association is a pioneering model Europe, Export internationally, and apply new drug policies that focus on individuals and their health. “
The federation has asked to join a working group being established by the city council to seek legislative solutions.
“What we need is a legal framework that recognizes existing realities and cooperates with public authorities to obtain the necessary regulatory mechanisms, with a clear emphasis on public health,” Ascencio told the Guardian.
